Eco-Friendly Geodesic Houseboat Costs Less Than $2,000

Buckminster Fuller, the architect and futurist who popularized the geodesic dome, would be proud of Michael Weekes’ work. Weekes built a geodesic houseboat for less than $2000 and showed Buffalo, New York just how easy it is to live sustainably and in a tiny space. The boat, made of simple materials like plywood and recycled storage containers, is a testament to the ease, affordability and fun of waterborne living and recreation.

Weekes’ houseboat measures 16 feet long and is non-powered. It is held afloat by 27 recycled gallon storage containers which give it amazing floating power: the deck can hold up to 5000 pounds. With sleeping room for four or socializing space for 12, the houseboat is the perfect place to spend a weekend relaxing with friends or family. There’s even a low-tech toilet on-board, so if you bring all needed supplies with you there’s no need to leave the houseboat all weekend.

The houseboat is scalable and can be built to an individual’s preferred size specifications. According to Weekes, they can be built in a matter of weeks for less than $10,000. The sustainable, affordable, low-tech houseboats offer a way to enjoy the waterside without paying thousands of dollars a month in rent for the premium space. Weighing in at just 60 pounds, the boat doesn’t require a tie-down or even a state permit – and it can be a fun introduction to the experience of tiny space living.